Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis-Associated Genes, Cytokines, and Human Leukocyte Antigens.

In recent years, research has intensified in exploring the genetic basis of psoriasis (PsO) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Genome-wide association studies (GWASs), including tools like ImmunoChip, have significantly deepened our understanding of disease mechanisms by pinpointing risk-associated genetic loci. These efforts have elucidated biological pathways involved in PsO pathogenesis, particularly those related to the innate immune system, antigen presentation, and adaptive immune responses. Specific genetic loci, such as TRAF3IP2, REL, and FBXL19, have been identified as having a significant impact on disease development. Interestingly, different genetic variants at the same locus can predispose individuals to either PsO or PsA (e.g., IL23R and deletion of LCE3B and LCE3C), with some variants being uniquely linked to PsA (like HLA B27 on chromosome 6). This article aims to summarize known and new data on the genetics of PsO and PsA, their associated genes, and the involvement of the HLA system and cytokines.

Molecular hydrogen potentiates beneficial anti-infarct effect of hypoxic postconditioning in isolated rat hearts: a novel cardioprotective intervention.

Generation of free radicals through incomplete reduction of oxygen during ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) is well described. On the other hand, molecular hydrogen (H2) reduces oxidative stress due to its ability to react with strong oxidants and easily penetrate cells by diffusion, without disturbing metabolic redox reactions. This study was designed to explore cardioprotective potential of hypoxic postconditioning (HpostC) against I/R (30 min global I - 120 min R) in isolated rat hearts using oxygen-free Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB). Furthermore, the possibility to potentiate the effect of HpostC by H2 using oxygen-free KHB saturated with H2 (H2 + HpostC) was tested. HPostC was induced by 4 cycles of 1-minute perfusion with oxygen-free KHB intercepted by 1-minute perfusion with normal KHB, at the onset of reperfusion. H2 + HPostC was applied in a similar manner using H2-enriched oxygen-free KHB. Cardioprotective effects were evaluated on the basis of infarct size (IS, in % of area at risk, AR) reduction, post-I/R recovery of heart function, and occurrence of reperfusion arrhythmias. HPostC significantly reduced IS/AR compared with non-conditioned controls. H2 present in KHB during HPostC further decreased IS/AR compared with the effect of HPostC, attenuated severe arrhythmias, and significantly restored heart function (vs. controls). Cardioprotection by HpostC can be augmented by molecular hydrogen infusion.

Noninvasive approach to mend the broken heart: Is "remote conditioning" a promising strategy for application in humans?

Currently, there are no satisfactory interventions to protect the heart against the detrimental effects of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Although ischemic preconditioning (PC) is the most powerful form of intrinsic cardioprotection, its application in humans is limited to planned interventions, due to its short duration and technical requirements. However, many organs/tissues are capable of producing "remote" PC (RPC) when subjected to brief bouts of ischemia-reperfusion. RPC was first described in the heart where brief ischemia in one territory led to protection in other area. Later on, RPC started to be used in patients with acute myocardial infarction, albeit with ambiguous results. It is hypothesized that the connection between the signal triggered in remote organ and protection induced in the heart can be mediated by humoral and neural pathways, as well as via systemic response to short sublethal ischemia. However, although RPC has a potentially important clinical role, our understanding of the mechanistic pathways linking the local stimulus to the remote organ remains incomplete. Nevertheless, RPC appears as a cost-effective and easily performed intervention. Elucidation of protective mechanisms activated in the remote organ may have therapeutic and diagnostic implications in the management of myocardial ischemia and lead to development of pharmacological RPC mimetics.